Think About It: Signing Off

It is sign-waving season as
we head toward the November general election. Yeh! Scores of local politicians
and their supporters are taking to the streets to try to get us to believe they
can make a difference in our worlds by holding up signs and distracting us as
we drive. It's hard enough eating, reading, and texting when I drive, so having
the faithful standing just off the streets on your behalf is really something
that many voters really don't need or value.

I recently saw two signs for
politicians that featured the candidates' complete family. At 35-MPH, I really
wasn't able to clearly delineate the details of the family photo, but I don't
really think I'm going to cast my vote based on who has the nicer family
portrait or makes a stronger fashion statement. Frankly, I'd rather see the
politicos' sign-wavers holding messages with some details about how you're
going to fix things- in big letters. Or drop off a simple pamphlet with
detailed plans for our future that might encourage voters. And here's a
thought- rather than crowd 50 people into a one-block area that's heavily
trafficked (as if that shows me that you have huge support), why not spread the
loyal sign-holders out over a larger area- thus giving me the subliminal
impression that you must be good, because you're everywhere!

And this bit about standing
out there in the rain, smiling and waving- I'm not sure if I'm sold on the assumption
that this shows me how tough and dedicated you are, or rather that you're
simply too silly and caught up in the long campaign to know to come out of the
rain. Luckily, it is easier than ever to find out details about what the
candidates really think and plan to do, or not do, and that's our job as
voters. So, some of us simply sigh at silly sign-waving, an archaic local political
season custom that might actually distract or detract- and surely that's not a politician's
goal. Maybe it's time to sign off. Think about it…